News Briefs

Stephen Haycoxwill present a talk on “Civil Rights in Alaska: The Historical Perspective and the Popular Perception” at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21.

The program is in honor of Alaska Civil Righs Day and is presented with support from the University of Alaska Anchorage Diversity Council.

Haycox is an American cultural historian at UAA; he specializes in the relationship of Alaska to the history of the American west. His graduate degrees are from the University of Oregon. He has published widely on Alaska Native history. His two most recent books are “Frigid Embrace: Politics, Economics and Environment in Alaska,” and “Alaska: An American Colony.” He is the recipient of an Alaska Governor’s Humanities Award (2003), and the University of Alaska Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence (2002), and was named Alaskan Historian of the Year (Alaska Historical Society) in 2003. He teaches Alaska history, history of the American West and American environmental history, and writes a bi-weekly opinion column for the Anchorage Daily News.

The presentation is open to the public. For accommodation services, contact KBC at 235-7743 in advance.

SVT takes back unwanted drugs

On Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., SVT Health & Wellness and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The public is invited to bring their medications for disposal to SVT Health & Wellness Homer Health Center at 880 East End Road, or to the SVT Health & Wellness Clinic in Seldovia at 206 Main St. The service is free and anonymous, no questions will be asked.

Last April, Americans turned in 552,161 pounds—276 tons—of prescription drugs at more than 5,600 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,300 state and local law enforcement partners. In its four previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in more than 1.5 million pounds — nearly 775 tons —of pills.

“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” SVT Health & Wellness’ Public Relations Director Ian McGaughey said. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.”

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Carnival happens Feb. 7-10

Are you ready for some winter fun? The Homer Winter Carnival is right around the corner. This year’s theme is “Snowmachines, Skates and Skis — Oh My.” The Winter Carnival happens Feb. 7-10, with the parade at noon Feb. 9. There will be lots of fun activities throughout the community. Those who want to participate in the parade or volunteer on the day of the parade, are asked to contact Nyla at the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 235-7740, email at info@homeralaska.org or stop by the chamber and visitor center.

Latest Updates

Spotted

Lupin bloom at the head of the baySarah Outen Kayaking PhotosPeterson Bay Field Station Ribbon CuttingHomer Highland Games 2014Homer Solstice Celebration 2014Funny River Fire Smoke over HomerOscar Day at School!Winter Surfing